Railways has issued a new advisory regarding ticket booking; check immediately before booking tickets.
IRCTC shared a post on Twitter warning that railway tickets that say “Agent Details” may be illegal links. Learn how this scam works and how you can stay safe.
Ticket booking for those traveling on Indian railways is typically done through the IRCTC portal or authorized agents. However, a post is going viral on social media in which IRCTC warns that “some people are selling tickets illegally through agent links” that bear “Agent Details” on the tickets. IRCTC has shared this information to caution users against these links.
According to this post, if details like “Agent” or “Agency Code” are present on the first copy of your ticket, it could indicate that you booked the ticket through an illegal channel. IRCTC has clearly stated that tickets should only be booked through the IRCTC platform or authorized agents.
IRCTC Warning
IRCTC’s post clarifies that some unknown individuals are using personal IDs to create agent links and sell cheap tickets, which is illegal. The post also states that if the first copy of the ticket has “Agent” or “Agency Code” written on it, the ticket may be suspicious.
IRCTC has also directed that tickets should only be booked through the IRCTC website, app, or authorized agent portal. Any ticket purchased through an invalid link will be considered invalid. The post urges users to verify their ticket by noting, “Authorized agent’s Name, Address & Agency Code printed on the first copy of the ticket” and stating, “Travel Safe – Book Rail Ticket only via IRCTC Platform or authorized agents.” This warning is an attempt to make travelers understand that trusting social media links or personal agent links can be dangerous.
How can the scam work?
Fake links and websites: Users are sent a ticket booking link via social media, WhatsApp, or advertisements that appears to be from IRCTC.
Adding Agent Details: The agent’s name, code, or agency details are displayed on the ticket to make it appear legitimate.
Requesting Confidential Information: Users are asked for Aadhaar, mobile number, bank details, etc.
Ticket Failure or Cancellation: It is common for a user to fail to receive or cancel a ticket, and the amount may not be refunded.
Data Theft or Phishing: After obtaining information, the user’s identity or financial data may be misused.
This type of scam has previously been seen in ticket refund or railway refund scams, where people steal money and information by running fake links through Google Ads.
How to avoid scams?
Book tickets only from the official IRCTC website or app. Before clicking on a link, check the URL carefully; it should be “irctc.co.in.” If you see terms like “Agent Details” or “Agency Code” on the ticket, do not trust such a ticket. Check the first copy of your ticket and ensure the agent name/code is mentioned on it.
Never share personal bank details, OTP, or password on any external link. If in doubt, complain to IRCTC Customer Support or through eQuery (IRCTC). Do not immediately trust viral offers on social media; verify first. If the link or agent ticket has a cancellation status, cancel the e-ticket or file a TDR.
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